Monday, January 28, 2008

Neuheisel's Out of Control Huskies

A gripping series of investigative stories this week by the Seattle Times, detailing Washington's 2000 team, winners of the Rose Bowl, owners of an 11-1 record and ranked No. 3 in the nation.

This is an unprecedented look behind the scenes — based largely on documents unavailable at the time — that reveals a disturbing level of criminal conduct and hooliganism by the players and questionable moves and motives of police and the legal system. Among the findings:

A safety who reportedly had cut his wife's face, broken her arm and nose. He started the opener wanted on an oustanding warrant.

A tight end under investigation on suspicion of rape.

A linebacker under investigation for robbing and shooting a drug dealer. Police didn't charge him until after the season was over.

At least 12 members of the team were arrested or charged with a crime that carried possible jail time. At least 12 others got in trouble with the law in other seasons.

Yes, Rick Neuheisel was the coach, and he did little or nothing when it came time to discipline players.